Mask Mandate
Dear Editor: I almost always shop at Market Center, and people there have been courteous and reasonable. If fights between customers over masking are a real problem, then Mr. Hames should want a mask mandate. That way he can call police and it’s no longer his problem, responsibility, or decision. Instead, he has chosen to be the face of irresponsible behavior, and the exact reason why enforcement will be difficult.
Unfortunately, I will have to shop at AC Lakeside for a while. I hope my favorite store decides to be part of the solution again.
Paul Norwood, Sitka
Assembly Meeting
Dear Editor: I was listening to the Assembly meeting Tuesday night, but after the first hour I had to turn the radio off.
The confrontation regarding the masking mandate was ominous and hard to listen to. The Assembly had yet to make a decision regarding the mandate, yet they were called names and subjected to verbal abuse. Differing opinions were booed or cheered. Several times the meeting was recessed as people disregarded appeals for decorum.
I respect everyone’s opinion on this subject, and in the end you ARE free to choose what you will do. But please ... PLEASE, let’s be civil and respectful to each other. We all share this island, and if my house is on fire I’d like to believe you’d come running with a bucket of water. Thanks.
Victoria Smith, Sitka
9/11
Dear Editor: I wrote this Sept. 17, 2001. I was in Kansas City, Missouri, at the time, six days after 9/11..
‘‘Our hearts were wrenched out of our chests last week. The horror we witnessed was almost too much to bear. This beastly act blindsided us and brought us to our knees. America’s heart is in pain for those so brutally taken from our midst. From the wreckage arose everyday folk who have become our heroes. The stamina they must have and continue to possess is beyond words. Doesn’t this say volumes about us?
‘‘This is a small portion of America trying to find our own. Their resolve should speak to the rest of us. Whatever decision our President Bush makes, we will stand up and support and support him. By doing this, we also stand up for ourselves as Americans. It’s hard writing this. When you hold hands at your table, at church, somewhere, remember those who held each others’ hands and chose to jump. My psyche is forever imprinted with the lone jumper. As I cried for him, my thoughts eventually wandered to this. Did he see angels weep for him ? (In note on Facebook, did angels catch them)?
‘‘This predator has our blood dripping from his fangs. This was a powerful hate that struck us. Don’t deceive yourself and think this is over. This mindset of this predator is just that. As long as the prey stirs, this beast will strike again until the prey is dead. America is his prey.
‘‘When we pray, somewhere in there, ask forgiveness for the atrocities we have dealt one another, by our own hand, in our own land. Our President stands before his people to lead us into battle. The news we hear says this savage is considered a hero in his country. Will their hero stand before his people and meet head on what’s coming?
I believe God loves America. The values of America. My wanderings also came to this. I. In the battles of the Bible, weren’t angels used to bring victory?’’
Johanna Alimorong, Sitka
AC Lakeside Thanks
Dear Editor: I would like to express my appreciation to the AC Lakeside grocery store management for continuing to require masks for their employees and customers. I applaud AC for being responsible and protecting the health of their essential frontline employees as well as their customers.
Barbara Morse, Sitka
